Know Your Target Markets- Boost Your Returns

If you’ve ever seen looks of frustration on some faces in your audience or received comments from readers of your newsletter, emails or blog that your material is too rudimentary (I love when they use that term!) or too technical or sophisticated, you may need to adjust your approach and/or content.

First thing  - consider your audience.  Did you prepare a program in line with your clients’ goals? Do you have an understanding of the backgrounds of the people you’re addressing?  Can you punt with strength in response to feedback gleaned from your opening queries (regarding interest and/or knowledge levels)? Have you pulled them into the heart of your presentation right from the beginning with meaningful data? With a bit of homework and proper prep work, you can avoid poor evaluations and negative comments.

Bottom line: it’s important to know your target audience!

This is equally true for the written word.  While many blogs and emails appeal to mass audiences, best results come from niche newsletters or correspondence. In order to build trust and engage prospective clients, content should be matched to the reader’s needs and level of understanding.  For instance,  explaining the benefits of social media to advertising or marketing agencies may fall flat, but law firms or construction companies would likely be extremely interested.  Knowing specifically whom you want to attract and creating meaningful info for each target audience will help boost your returns.

Have examples or stories about targeted talks or writing – good or bad – that you’d like to share? Send in your comments or questions anytime!